Explain concisely the problem you are trying to solve, if writing an executive summary on a project you want to complete. Then, emphasize the solution you are proposing. Describe what you have -- such as software -- or what you are able to do to solve the problem. If you are working with well-known investors or companies, mention them upfront to grab the reader's attention quickly.
If writing a summary for research you already have completed, provide a concise statement of your research findings after explaining the problem and the purpose of your research.
When typing, place just one space after each period, and indent the first line of the first paragraph half an inch from the left margin, according to MLA style.
List ways in which your project has the potential to improve the quality of life for its beneficiaries, if your summary is for a proposal. Also, write about the competitive advantage you have over other individuals or companies in just one or two sentences. Use these sentences to explain your unique advantages and benefits as well as any limitations you might have.
Describe how your project will work, if your executive summary is for a proposal. Write about how you will measure the success of your project -- either financially, by customer reviews or otherwise, for example -- and what your goals will be for an allotted time frame. Explain why the members of your project team are reputable and how they will contribute, and mention the amount of money you will need to complete the project if applicable.
If your executive summary is for completed research, describe what procedures you used to reach your findings. When referencing works in your summary, either italicize or underline the titles of those works.
Write a specific recommendation for actions to take that will improve a particular situation, if your summary is for research you have completed. Such actions might include increasing product prices at a business to help boost revenue, for example. Then, justify the proposed action by analyzing how this type of action has worked in other verifiable situations.
Go over your executive summary to pinpoint any spelling, punctuation or grammar errors. Double-space the summary according to MLA guidelines, make sure the word processing document pages have 1-inch margins and keep the font size at 12 and the font in Times New Roman. Also, create a header that numbers your pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, a half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.
If you notice any errors in your summary after printing it out, strike out the error with black or blue ink and note the correction above it.